One of the most popular sandwich locations in Tokyo, a place where many travelers have on their bucket list to visit, is Camelback Sandwiches & Espresso in the Kamiyamacho area of Shibuya or what people like to call “Oku-Shibuya”.
The sandwich shop has earned an international reputation for its sandwiches and coffee.
Opened up by two best friends since high school, barista Keitaro Suzuki and former sushi chef Hayato Naruse, Hayato wanted to create a sandwich shop in which he creates innovative sandwiches that change in season but also offering wonderful coffee courtesy of Keitaro.
For Hayato, he was inspired to create a sandwich shop when he lived in Arizona. In fact, the name of the restaurant is inspired by Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona.
I asked Hayato how he came up with the “Camelback Sandwich & Espresso” after working as a sushi chef.
Hayato said, “It was my dream since I was 20-years-old. Even when I was training to become a sushi chef, I dreamed of becoming a sandwich maker. I also have a dream that I wanted to have a sandwich shop in the United States.”
Hayato explained that he lived in Arizona working as a sushi chef for five years and then another five years in Tokyo.
I ordered and omelet sandwich and a lamb bacon with dried tomatoes and coriander. Also, a large latte.
As for the lamb bacon, Hayato explained to me that he cured and smoked the lamb bacon at the location.
While preparing it, I can see on how his slices were and the care that sushi chef’s have towards their fish, Hayato is very careful in slicing the meat. Also, using chopsticks to carefully place ingredients.
He is also very selective when it comes with ingredients.
According to Hayato, what he offers per season are determined on the ingredients that he finds and has access to.
I asked Hayato of what people like to order in terms of gourmet sandwiches offered and he said Japanese-flavored sandwiches (a popular sandwich offered around the summertime is his sardine sandwiches using sardines from Tsukiji market) and he said the lamb bacon sandwiches is his signature sandwich.
In fact, he asked me where in America can I find lamb bacon sandwiches and personally, I don’t ever recall seeing one in America. And that is what Hayato wanted to emphasize, creating unique sandwiches that you wouldn’t typically find anywhere else.
As for the coffee, Suzuki uses beans straight from Brazil and goes through a professional roastery. Having worked at a famous cafe prior to opening Camelback, he offers nearly a dozen type of coffee and always uses fresh ground coffee beans.
And his goal is always to offer a high-quality cup of coffee.
The location is known to generate a line and you will often find many people who have traveled to eat at the location. It’s not a sit-in restaurant, but more of a stand which you can get your coffee and sandwiches, but there are tables outside.
Both coffee and sandwiches are served with care, as both men are committed in producing the best quality of coffee and sandwiches, so expect a little wait.
And most importantly, this is not like Subway sandwich, where you can get things quick to serve. Hayato really puts a lot of care in preparing his sandwiches and I really dig that. You can also watch as he prepares it.
And both sandwiches are absolutely delicious and the coffee was also wonderful. I know that if I lived nearby, this location would be my go to spot. I dig the overall vibe, customer service and of course, the food and coffee!
But seeing how popular Camelback Sandwich & Espresso has become, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hayato opens more sandwich shops. May it be in Tokyo, somewhere else in Japan or Asia or even the United States, it has that potential.
So, if you are wanting to try one of the best gourmet sandwich places in Tokyo, definitely give Camelback Sandwich & Espresso in Oku-Shibuya a try! I highly recommend it!
